| On a dark night, far from the shores of North | | | | Cape Hatteras Lighthouse - Perhaps the most |
| Carolina, ships may be guided safely to their | | | | famous lighthouse in the state, the Cape |
| respective ports by the beams of lighthouses | | | | Hatteras station is also the tallest and one |
| and stations bordering the Outer Banks. Just | | | | of the oldest in the nation. An easily |
| as the lighthouses represent a means of | | | | recognizable black-striped obelisk, over two |
| security for sailors finding their way | | | | hundred and fifty stairs takes visitors to |
| through difficult weather at sea, they also | | | | the top, which is the equivalent of twelve |
| symbolize the romanticism of the nautical | | | | stories. The lighthouse is open to visitors |
| life. Each year, thousands of visitors come | | | | normally from March through October, where |
| to the Outer Banks to see these impressive | | | | all can learn the colorful history of this |
| monuments, if only to briefly live | | | | national treasure. |
| vicariously through the light keepers of old | | | | |
| and enjoy the stories they have to tell. | | | | Currituck Beach Lighthouse - Standing tall in |
| | | | Corolla, one of the northernmost points in |
| Before modern technologies like radar and | | | | the Outer Banks, Currituck Beach Lighthouse |
| other navigational systems allows sailors to | | | | is unique in that it is one of the few |
| negotiate the waters with ease, lighthouses | | | | unpainted beacons in existence. Once |
| stood, literally, as the one of the main | | | | illuminated by oil lamps, this light station |
| devices to help ocean travel. Situated along | | | | has since been upgraded with the latest |
| coastlines around the world, light keepers | | | | technology, and its light can be seen for |
| kept large flames alive to alert passing | | | | nearly twenty nautical miles. Visitors are |
| ships to dangerous areas like rocky shores, | | | | welcome to explore between Easter and |
| or to guide cargo into ports. It is estimated | | | | Thanksgiving. |
| now that only fifteen hundred lighthouses | | | | |
| remain, though not all are operational. Many | | | | Ocracoke Lighthouse - While Hatteras boasts |
| on the east coast of the United States, | | | | the oldest lighthouse on the shore, Ocracoke |
| including those in the Outer Banks, have been | | | | has the distinction of being home to the |
| preserved as national or state landmarks, and | | | | oldest operating station. Ocracoke Lighthouse |
| visitors are welcomed to climb their arduous | | | | is also the shortest freestanding one in the |
| circular stairs for a bird's eye view. | | | | Outer Banks, standing at seventy-five feet. |
| | | | As it is still operational, the actual |
| For tourists with an interest in pharology, | | | | lighthouse is closed to visitors, though |
| the study of lighthouses (derived from the | | | | pharology enthusiasts are welcomed to tour |
| island of Pharos in Greece, home of the | | | | the grounds. |
| famous Lighthouse of Alexandria), the Outer | | | | |
| Banks lighthouses will definitely keep you | | | | For a taste of nautical history and |
| busy, and in shape! Here are just a few of | | | | breathtaking views of the Outer Banks, |
| the sights you can expect to enjoy when | | | | include a visit to an area lighthouse. Let |
| visiting the shores: | | | | the light guide you. |
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